ART on THE MART, an innovative digital art project that transforms a Chicago architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas, will start its 2023 programming with a new commission by internationally renowned artist Derrick Adams and the return of the popular projection of new work by local Chicago Public Schools (CPS) seniors. Adams’ projection will be on view nightly at 8.30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. from April 14 to July 5, 2023. The CPS projection will be on show from April 27 to May 14, 2023, immediately following Adams’.
Portrait of Derrick Adams in front of Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons. Courtesy of ART on THE MART.
“ART on THE MART is thrilled to kick off the 2023 season with work by Derrick Adams and CPS seniors. We are proud that ART on THE MART can showcase projects by internationally renowned artists together with the talent and promise of our local community,” said Cynthia Noble, executive director of ART on THE MART.
Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons builds upon Adams’ famed Funtime Unicorn project celebrating Black joy, love and play. The animation – realized in collaboration with a graphic designer, The Channel – unfolds across four seasons and begins with Ruby in a playground before she embarks on adventures through joyful dreamscapes. Ruby’s journeys feature a majestic display of colorful backgrounds and light tunnels across the 2.5 acres of THE MART, while visitors will also watch flowers bloom, leaves fall, and snow drop in the playground as she returns for each season. Viewers will be transported by the narration of a young girl, with background vocals by Cleo Reed, set to an original jazz-trumpet soundscape by Dave Guy from The Roots. Funtime Unicorn first appeared in Adams’ signature Floater series, a collection of vivid portraits of Black people in various states of rest and play as a life-size inflatable pool float before Adams made Funtime Unicorn into a unique and interactive sculpture.
Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons coincides with EXPO Chicago’s 10th edition (April 13 to 16, 2023) when Funtime Unicorn will also be part of a new public commission on Chicago’s Navy Pier. Work by Adams will also be on view at the fair as part of Rhona Hoffman Gallery’s booth. 2023 is a significant year for the artist with a new ‘Art at Amtrak’ commission inside New York Penn Station, the Beyond Granite project inviting him to install a temporary work on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and his Last Resort Artist Retreat welcoming its first month-long residence to Baltimore this spring. Adams’ ART on THE MART commission is presented in partnership with Rhona Hoffman Gallery, which is also presented a solo exhibition of Adams’ work in Chicago until April 1, 2023.